Matuidi reaffirms desire to move on

St Etienne midfielder Blaise Matuidi has revealed his desire to leave the Ligue 1 club this summer.

Published

6 July 2009

The 22-year-old has made more than 50 appearances in all competitions for the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard outfit since arriving from Troyes in 2007, and earned caps at both French U19 and U21 level, making 19 outings for the latter. And the starlet has made no secret of his desire to play under Arsene Wenger at the Emirates Stadium, telling skysports.com last month:

“Playing for Arsenal would be fantastic but I can’t say anything about that yet. Everyone knows their wonderful style of football.”

The Gunners' arch rivals Tottenham Hotspur, as well as Everton, have also been linked with the midfielder.

And Matuidi has now reaffirmed his wish to part ways with St Etienne during the close season, believing that he is now ready to move on and further his development.

"My wish, if I have the chance, is to leave," he told L'Equipe.

"If I have an opportunity, I will ask to leave. I have already said this in-house and the leaders understand my choice, but they also expressed their desire to keep me, which I find understandable.

"My wish is to leave because I think it's time. Or, if it's necessary and I stay, I would also be happy."